Jermaine Gresham needs surgery to repair herniated disk

Alec Brzezinski and Ron Clements

Jermaine Gresham needs surgery to repair herniated disk image

Free-agent tight end Jermaine Gresham needs surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back and the procedure has been scheduled for Thursday, according to NFL.com

Gresham met with a doctor Wednesday to determine whether surgery would be necessary.

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The former Oklahoma star spent the past five seasons with the Bengals, who drafted him in the first round in 2010. Gresham caught 62 passes last year for 460 yards and five touchdowns. He was one of the best free-agent tight end options entering the offseason, but he may need a positive post-surgery prognosis for his NFL career to continue. 

The Raiders have shown the most interest in Gresham, but the Bengals could re-sign him as Tyler Eifert is coming back from an injury of his own.

Gresham has 280 receptions for 2,722 yards 24 touchdowns in his career.

Alec Brzezinski and Ron Clements